iOS 12.1 comes with many new features: group FaceTime calls, new emojis

iOS 12.1 support for the Dual SIM and FaceTime group. Let’s find out all the main news of iOS 12.1 for iPhone, iPad, iPod. Download IPSW iOS 12.1

iOS 12.1 News and Downloads: what changes?

The update is available from the evening of October 30, 2018. 

As expected, during the event on October 30th during which Apple presented new MacBook Air, Mac Mini and new iPad Pro, the Cupertino company also announced that the new update to iOS 12.1 has been rolled out.

Although not a major update, it brings with it some interesting improvements.

So let’s see what changes with iOS 12.1, what’s new, changes and how to download or install iOS 12.1 immediately. 

When is iOS 12.1 available?

iOS 12.1 is available from today for all compatible devices.

The download is available from now.

iOS 12.1 compatibility

Which iPhone, iPad and iPod are compatible with iOS 12.1?

To easily know if you can install iOS 12.1 on your iOS devices: simply understand which model of iPhone or iPad you have.

Here is the complete list of Apple products that can be updated to iOS 12.1.

  • iPhone: iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 5s
  • iPad: iPad Pro 12.9″ (2nd generation), iPad Pro 12.9″, (1st generation), iPad Pro 10.5″, iPad Pro 9.7″, iPad Air 2, iPad Air, iPad (5th generation ), iPad mini 4, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 2
  • iPod: iPod touch (6th generation)

News iOS 12.1: what changes?

That said, let’s get to the main news of 12.1 to understand what changes and if it makes sense to update.

The first significant update of iOS 12 introduces a number of new features including group FaceTime calls, dual SIM support, real-time depth control for portrait mode, new emojis and much more.

It is also expected that iOS 12.1 will lead to the resolution of the “beauty-mode” problem encountered in the front camera on the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max, but for this we have to wait for the update is actually available for everyone.

Group FaceTime calls

iOS redraws the way FaceTime makes audio and video calls with new effects such as stickers, Memoji and Animoji and some filters. iOS 12.1 brings FaceTime to the next level introducing the ability to make audio and video calls for up to 32 people.

Previously FaceTime allowed calls and video calls only between two users. The new interface displays multiple video frames focusing on people actively engaged in the conversation and making other users smaller in the background.

Group FaceTime is based on iMessage and allows you to easily join or leave audio and video calls without having to terminate or restart the call.

Group video calls are supported on the latest iPhone, iPad and Mac models; the older iPhone and iPad models that still support iOS version 12.1 as well as Apple Watch and HomePods are only enabled for the audio feature during group FaceTime calls.

Dual SIM

Dual SIM support is another of the new features introduced by iOS 12.1 and is supported on the new iPhone XS, XR and XS MAX.

The iOS 12.1 update makes a function already known by the announcement of the new iPhones effective, that is the possibility of using a nano SIM that is inherent to the digital eSIM.

After the update you can finally contact your operator and activate the second sim to use with the new iPhone.

Depth control in real time

Portrait mode on new iPhone models applies an artificial blur to the background of photo subjects to create the depth effect.

The XS, XR, and XS Max models let you change the blur level of a photo after shooting in Portrait mode directly from the Photos app.

The new feature made by iOS 12.1 is the ability to adjust the blur before taking the picture.

The introduction of the “f” button, placed between the upper controls in the latest iPhone models, allows the display of a ring through which you can apply the degree of blurring chosen for Portrait mode.

New emojis

With iOS 12.1 more than 70 new emojis have been introduced, including new characters with red hair, gray hair and curly hair, a new emoji for bald people, more emotional faces and additional emojis that represent animals, sports and food. The new emojis are also available on Apple Watch and Mac.

How to download and install iOS 12.1

The easiest way to download and install iOS 12.1 is directly from the device by going to Settings on your iPhone or iPad. This is an absolutely valid system for those who have a good Wi-Fi connection.

If you choose this update – in the jargon called OTA (over the air) – simply choose Settings> General> Software Update.

At this point the device will check the available updates and show the possibility of updating to iOS 12.1.

If the update does not appear immediately, do not worry, try again after 5/6 minutes.

After doing click on the Download button you will have to wait.

The process may take some time. Initially, slowdowns may occur in the download, especially due to overloaded servers.

After downloading iOS 12.1, the button to install will appear on the screen. By clicking on Install, accepting the Apple Terms and Conditions will start the actual installation process.

From now on, and until the next restart, the device can not be used in any way.

How to download and install iOS 12.1 through iTunes

If you can not upgrade to OTA mode on your iOS device, you can update it manually via iTunes on a Windows or Mac computer through iTunes.

Here is how to proceed:

  • Install the latest version of iTunes on your computer
  • Connect the device to the computer
  • Open iTunes and select the device
  • Click Summary, then Check for updates
  • Wait for the download and automatic installation
  • Enjoy iOS 12.1

Conclusions

Here, we have concluded.

If you try iOS 12.1 right away, let us know in the comments what you think and how you are. 

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